History

Subject: History

Syllabus Number: AQA 8145

Teacher who leads the subject: Mr J Barnett

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Why study History?

History repeats itself.  This means that History really matters.   Conflict in Europe, a pandemic, how to deal with aggressors, the list goes on.  If you’re interested in how the World came to be as it is today, then History is the subject for you!  Anyone who says it’s irrelevant because it’s all in the past doesn’t see that only by looking back can we understand where we are and how to move forwards. 


Many of today’s issues have their roots in the huge upheavals of the twentieth century.  As well as this, it’s important that we can see broad sweeps of history, and understand some pivotal moments in our own nation’s development.  It helps us see our place in the World today.


History is a useful qualification for lots of careers.  The course develops skills such as analysis and use of source material, the ability to select relevant information and use it effectively, and the ability to frame a convincing argument.  With the rise of AI and the danger of news stories being manipulated it’s ever more important that we can analyse information effectively.  Ask a lawyer, or a journalist, for example!!  


Some students worry about the amount of writing in History.  Yes, of course there is writing to do, but many answers are worth 8 marks and take about 12 minutes in the exam, and consist of 2 paragraphs.  We help you scaffold your answers.  If you take History we will support you to build the best arguments that you can, helping you develop this vital skill - The ability to explain a point, with evidence.


We always aim to run an overseas trip as part of the course.    In recent years this has been to Berlin.


Finally – History is just really interesting!!  If you enjoy finding out about the past – take History.

 

Outline of syllabus content:

 

  1. Conflict & Tension:  1918-1939:  We look at peace deals at the end of World War One and whether they made things better or worse.  We look at attempts (and failures) to keep the peace, and we look at the causes of World War Two.  Who do we blame for the biggest conflict in history! 
  2. Germany from 1890 to 1945:  This was a period of massive change, turbulence and chaos.  It was a period when democracy appeared, and collapsed, ushering in the dark days of Nazism.  We study Nazi Germany up to its downfall in 1945, but also, crucially, the period before the Nazis came to lead Germany.  What on earth happened that meant that Hitler could come to power?  
  3. Health & the People c1000 to the present day: We look at an aspect of British history over the last 1000 years – to develop an understanding of an issue over time.  The issue we will investigate is changes in the nation’s health, from the Black Death up to the modern era of transplants and antibiotics.  This is a fascinating (and sometimes slightly gruesome!) delve into our nation’s social history.  You’ll be thankful that you didn’t get poorly in the so-called ‘good old days’!!
  4. Norman England c1066-1100:  We study the pivotal phase of our nation’s history that was the Norman Conquest – looking at the landmark event that was the Battle of Hastings, but also ‘what happened next’.   (You’ll also realise that Bosham was a pretty important place in those days!)

 

Assessment

Two exams, both at the end of Year 11 and worth 100% of the final grade.  Both exams are 2 hours long.  Paper 1 focuses on World history.  

Paper 2 focuses on British history.  

Both exams test a variety of historical skills, including the ability to analyse sources, and to develop, and sustain, an argument.  


Additional information is available on the Curriculum Overview section of the website - click here